JRT "clicking" when he sniffs

slinkycat | 22:38 Sat 02nd Jul 2011 | Animals & Nature

4 Answers

Not sure how to describe this, but when my JRT is sniffing intently, usually when we are playing hide and seek with his beloved tennis ball, he goes into a super sniffing mode, and makes a sort of clicking noise (we call it his echo location system!)
It sounds like he is making a "k k k k" sound at the back of his throat.
I've googled it and all I can find is something about the opening and closing of the eustachian tubes from the nose to the ear?
Anyone else noticed this in their dog?

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Ratty2E

We've had Cavaliers that have done that too. I always thought it was something to do with the soft palette. If he's always made the noise and is perfectly healthy then I wouldn't worry about it. Obviously if it's a new thing or he has any other breathing problems it would probably be a good idea to get him seen by a vet.

slinkycat

Question Author

He's always made the noise when we play 'find the ball'. I'm not too concerned, just curious. He's due his first yearly health check this month so I'll mention it to the vet then.

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slinkycat

Question Author

Thanks spireman. I'm a novice dog owner! Always had cats, they do a kind of open mouthed sneer when they are 'tasting' the air because they have a special organ ( langerhans?) that 'tastes' smells.
Always makes me laugh when they do that!

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